fath·om /ˈfæðəm/
  長度單位(6尺)(vt.)測量深度,看穿,徹底瞭解(vi.)測深
  Fath·om n.
  1. A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; -- used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.
  2. The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.]
  Another of his fathom they have none
  To lead their business.   --Shak.
  Fath·om, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fathomed p. pr. & vb. n. Fathoming.]
  1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.]
  2. To measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of.
     The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import.   --Hawthotne.
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  fathom
       n 1: a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water
            depth [syn: fthm]
       2: (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in
          measuring bodies of ore [syn: fthm]
       v 1: come to understand [syn: penetrate, bottom]
       2: measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line
          [syn: sound]
  Fathom
     (Old A.S. faethm, "bosom," or the outstretched arms), a span of
     six feet (Acts 27:28). Gr. orguia (from orego, "I stretch"), the
     distance between the extremities of both arms fully stretched
     out.